WASHINGTON (March 29, 2013) – Howard University alumnus Kyle Bacon was recently recognized by the White House as one of ten “Champions of Change” for his work as a leader of a mentorship program for children with incarcerated parents.

Bacon (B.B.A.’03) received the award as part of President Barack Obama’s “Winning the Future Across America” initiative. The purpose of the award is to honor community leaders who work to improve educational outcomes for African-American students.

Last month, Bacon joined the nine other honorees at a panel discussion at the White House where U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized their contributions to educational excellence. Bacon also participated in the White House’s Black History Month Reception where President Obama highlighted past contributions of African Americans.

“The president’s remarks were very reflective of my own family and the sacrifices they made for me as the beneficiary of their work,” Bacon said. “I was both humbled and honored to receive the award, and I realize I didn’t receive the award for myself.”

Bacon, who received his bachelor’s degree in international marketing from the School of Business, has worked with youth in Ohio, Maryland and Washington. As an undergraduate, Bacon created a direct intervention program to help teenage criminal offenders in Springfield, Ohio, his hometown. He went on to become an intervention specialist at a group home in Springfield and worked with at-risk students to increase standardized test scores.

Currently, Bacon serves as the mentor program coordinator for the U.S. Dream Academy Learning Center in southeast Washington, D.C. Through a series of one-on-one mentoring programs and fundraising efforts, Bacon works to improve the academic skills of children whose parents are imprisoned.

In addition to his commitment to youth development, Bacon works with other community and philanthropic organizations including Capital Cause, a Washington-based non-profit, and a men’s life-enrichment program at his church.

“It’s important to develop relationships and partnerships; everybody has something to give,” he said. “It’s all about impacting and shaping the lives of members of the community in a positive way.”